US Patent 10981665 System and method for aerial refueling door actuation

A device includes a drive link coupled to an actuator and a first link coupled to the drive link, the first link and the drive link forming a first pivot point. The device also includes a second link coupled to the first link and a support shaft coupled to second link. The second link and the first link form a second pivot point and the second link is configured to rotate about the support shaft. The device further includes a third link coupled to the second link and includes a fourth link coupled to third link and coupled to a door assembly. The third link and the second link form a third pivot point, and the fourth link and the third link form a fourth pivot point. When the door assembly is in an open position, the support shaft, the third pivot point, and the fourth pivot point are aligned.